2007-06-26 06:48:41 · 4 answers · asked by C3PX 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Other - Science
It does both, but not in a simple way. Sound is a pressure wave in air that propagates according to many different factors. While a sound wave can be focused at the source, it does spread out. Dispersion isn't the appropriate term. The propagation process is lossy, and the losses do show up as heat.
2007-06-26 17:30:23 · answer #1 · answered by Frank N 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sound travels at approx. 1000 ft/sec. The energy is just in the compression of the air. The sound dissipates inverse as the square of the distance . There might be a very small amount of heat involved but far too low to measure.
2007-06-26 15:49:20 · answer #2 · answered by JOHNNIE B 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sound is compression waves in a medium.
As it spreads the energy winds up as 'heat`,
(increase in average speed of molecular motion).
2007-06-26 14:26:49 · answer #3 · answered by Irv S 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
sound is a type of radiation. it does both.
2007-06-26 13:56:06 · answer #4 · answered by tigerkitty2 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋